12 Incredible Foods To Fight Stress (Gotta Love #10!)

Some people have called it the “modern man’s disease,” but there is no getting around the fact that many people in this world are suffering from relentless stress. It doesn’t matter that everyone knows that stress is behind many diseases (not to mention destroying our good looks!), but our daily exposure to varying levels of stress is undeniable.

There are numerous ways of reducing stress and tension in our lives. We can remove some of it, but there are certain levels of stress that cannot be removed or changed. When it comes to those, you will simply have to find ways to manage it through exercise, meditation, yoga, and diet.

Yes, you read that correctly: Diet. By eating certain foods, you can naturally lower stress levels by stimulating the production of relaxation and “feel good” hormones such as serotonin.

Want to know how to reduce stress simply by eating? Keep reading! We have 12 of the best foods that will do exactly that!

1. Avocados

With almost 20 essential nutrients, including vitamin E, B vitamins, folate, and potassium, just eating half an avocado each day can help to fill you up with healthy fats. If you are overweight, this is good news as it means that this might prevent you from eating more than is necessary or from snacking between meals later. Studies reported in the Nutrition Journal found that those who regularly ate avocados were 40 percent less hungry three hours after eating than those who did not eat avocados. This is because avocados can help keep your blood sugar levels stable. This combination of steady blood sugar levels combined with long-lasting feelings of satiety can help keep your mood steady, even when you are under stress.

2. Celery

Something as simple as celery can have a wide range of soothing effects. Studies show that eating four celery stalks each day will lower blood pressure levels, which is often one of the first symptoms of ongoing stress.

3. Fermented Foods

One little known secret towards improving mental health lies in your gut. When our gut flora is out of balance, it can have a terrible effect on the health of the brain, often leading to problems such as depression and anxiety attacks. The good bacteria in our gut has a direct effect on the chemistry of the brain, allow it to send both mood and behavior regulating signals to the brain via the vagus nerve. For example, one study showed that women who ate yogurt that contained active, beneficial bacteria each day had improved brain function when comparted to those who did not eat probiotics. Yogurt, Miso, sauerkraut, pickles, and kombucha are all excellent sources of probiotics.